Summary

This 38-40-mile backpack is through one of the Adirondack's most remote wilderness areas.  We will traverse the northern most section...from Long Lake to Lake Placid.  This is only one section of the approximately 132-mile-long Northville-Placid Trail, which was established in 1923 by the Adirondack Mountain Club.  This section of the backpack travels through the western section of the High Peaks region bisecting the Seward and MacIntyre Ranges.  It initially follows the eastern shore of Long Lake to Shattuck Clearing...a former ranger station (Night 1).  From here the hike joins the very scenic Cold River.  The trail continues along the river until the Rondeau Hermitage is reached...the site where Noah Rondeau lived as a hermit for 21 years.  The trail then diverges from the river and heads to the famous Duck Hole, which had its dam breached by Hurricane Irene (Night 2).  The remaining portion of the trail passes Moose Pond and Wanika Falls before finally ending in Averville (Lake Placid).  Total mileage:  38-40 miles (38.1 miles with some side trips).  Each day's hiking will be approximately 12-13 miles.  Total elevation gain: 3639 feet (accumulative) over the 3 days.  Highest Point of Elevation:  Just shy of 2400 feet in elevation. 

Gear Requirements:  Multi-day backpack, tent/tarp-tent or bivy sack, sleeping bag, pad, hiking / camping clothing, hiking shoes or boots, towel, food for 3 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, trail snacks, headlamp, water treatment/filtration, water bottles, bear bag or cannister, backpack stove & fuel, etc.

Contact trip leader for detailed gear list, maps and trail guide. 

NOTES: (1) There are multiple lean-tos at each night's destination, so that a tent or bivy sack may not be necessary.  (2) Sections may (will likely) be muddy and wet as beavers have tended to flood some sections of trail...even the boardwalks...extra dry socks and/or water shoes are recommended.   (3)  The "Trip Difficulty" is based on each day's activity, distance, relative terrain and weight of backpack, gear and perishables. You MUST feel comfortable sustaining this over 3 days of hiking.  Forecasted harsh weather or less than 2 participants may cancel or postpone to another date, as appropriate.  

Afterwards:  Optional Sunday night lodgings in Lake Placid / Saranac Lake area for cleanup and R & R if there is interest.  Please contact trip leader to discuss lodging options for both Thursday and Sunday nights.

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Directions to the location and spot to meet at:  Take the southern by-pass around Lake Placid (Old Military Road) from either Route 86 or Route 73.  South of the railroad crossing and north of the Elementary School turn west onto Averyville Road (County Highway 23).  Proceed for approximately 1.1 miles to the trailhead.  For GPS users:  44.263119,-74.013569.  We'll carpool to the other trailhead on Tarbell Road in Long Lake (43.984601,-74.398227) once everyone has assembled.  Meeting Time 7 AM in Lake Placid.